Iran delaying strike on Israel to avoid harming Gaza ceasefire talks White House says

The Biden administration has indicated that Iran is intentionally delaying any potential strike on Israel in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Iran's cautious approach is influenced by its desire to avoid disrupting ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which are being mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The White House believes that Tehran's strategy involves using the threat of an attack as leverage to pressure Israel into making concessions and to compel the US to exert greater influence on all parties involved in the conflict. This maneuver aligns with Iran's broader strategic goals, including the potential reduction of US military presence in the Middle East, which Tehran views as advantageous.

Furthermore, US officials suggest that Iran is wary of initiating a full-scale conflict that could escalate into a broader regional confrontation, potentially involving American military forces. Such an escalation could strain Iran's economy, making it a less desirable outcome for Tehran.

The delay in action reflects Iran's calculated approach to influence the dynamics of the conflict and negotiate from a position of strength without triggering a large-scale military engagement.